Started setting up my bow for a Sept. elk hunting trip today. My arrows are Gold Tip Kinetec 300's (10.3 gpi) with 125gr broadheads. The total arrow weight is 475, and my Elite V37 is cranked down on 65lbs. I haven't chronographed the arrow speed yet, but I can tell its plenty good.

I was wondering what input y'all have on that arrow weight and set-up for elk hunting? Maybe Kodiak06 will have some input, as I know he does a lot of archery elk hunting. Thanks, Robinhedd

I can honestly say I haven't weighed my arrows, well once when I swapped from gold tip to black eagle. I don't remember their weight. The GT's were 8.9g per inch, the black eagles are 8.6. I've always hunted with 125g tips. I use Thunderheads, only fixed blades are allowed here so, haven't tried expandable. Your draw weight is fine. I know 2 guys with bad shoulders, 1 pulled 58# last year and the other was 58 or 59#'s, both dropped elk. Don't know if your hunt is a DIY or guided or not but, if you don't know how to cow call with a reed, order a elknut dvd and a few reeds (all-star/mellow yellow) and learn. Last year, I clipped a twig and it made my arrow nose dive. The herd busted and I immediately cow called several times and stopped them all, including the bull at about 35yds. Made the quartering shot and filled the freezer. I also carry a spare release in my pack. I typically wear it all day but, don't wanna chance having to come out of the woods if I lose or break it.

Another thing unrelated... If you are packing in to hunt, a water purifier is a great thing to have. You can get the filters and drip into your water bladder for cheap. Hate to see ya stop hunting due to having the squirts. When I hunt areas with a known water source, I only fill my bladder half way for weight savings and top off when near the source or mid-day. If it's a guided hunt, they should tell you what you need.

It's a do it yourself hunt Kodiak06. I'll just be using a day pack, the area has a great road system on it. I do need to start practicing with my reed call.

As far as broadheads, I have Magnus Stinger 125's, Slick Trick Razor Trick 125's, and yes, wait for it, 2 packs of Thunderhead 125's. found them at Academy a few weeks ago for $9.99 for a 5 pack. Bought the last 2 packs they had! I need to shoot them and see how they fly for me. Thanks, Robinhedd

Wish I could catch the T-heads that cheap. A simple cow call is great to have. Also, Phelps game calls has a great bite-n-blow to throw into the mix. If tons of hunter's, bugling could call in other hunters. A simple locator bugle can pay off at times if everyone's not bugling their brains out schooling them. One thing I learned quick is elk are loud and you don't need to tippy-toe if making noise is required to get in on them. I do go stealth mode when cover allows. I have also bum-rushed them to get in tight as well. Elk move at ALL times of the day, don't get complacent late morning/mid-day, I've seen a lot of bulls during that time of day, especially if it's during the rut.

Oh, I have got in tight on a few bulls that were rubbing trees. If the tree was moving, I was bee lining for them. The only thing is you have to scan for other elk doing it or you could bust the herd if they are around. Also the elknut playbook is supposedly a great read with different scenarios. I haven't personally read it but, I do know guys that swear by it.

Here ya go. I'm sure you'll be on here a bit if you've never elk hunted.
http://www.wapititalk.com/Hunting/